Stepping onto the market is Drake's Island, a storied piece of history nestled just off the Devon coast near Plymouth, now awaiting a new proprietor, Sky News reported.
This picturesque six-acre island, complete with a private beach and plans for a luxury hotel, encapsulates centuries of military history enhanced by modern development prospects.
Located a mere 600 yards away from Plymouth, Drake's Island spans six acres and is accessible via a brief boat ride of less than 10 minutes. Historically significant, the island has served as a strategic military defense site for several centuries, playing pivotal roles throughout various periods of British naval history.
The island's current offerings include aged military barracks, artillery batteries, and extensive underground storage facilities, which were once used to store gunpowder and other arms essential for defense. These remnants of the past provide a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the serene beaches that encircle the island.
According to Morgan Phillips, the current owner and a noted local businessman, the earliest recorded building on Drake’s Island dates back to 1135, revealing its extensive timeline. "It has over 2,000 years of history - the first recorded building is 1135," Phillips stated, emphasizing the ancient roots of the property.
This rich history includes numerous artifacts and structures from different eras, among them 18th-century cannons that still rest on the island, serving as silent testimonials to its storied past. These historic elements are likely to attract enthusiasts of history and military alike.
Phillips playfully remarked on the island’s historical military significance: "It was the nuclear deterrent of its day, that's probably why the Spanish armada never came here!” His words underline the strategic importance of the island, which was perceived as a formidable deterrent against potential invaders, notably when fears of the Spanish Armada were prevalent.
The architectural footprint of the military is evident across the island. Visitors can explore old barracks, where soldiers were once billeted, artillery batteries that held the cannons, shell shafts, and hidden gunpowder stores, all of which paint a vivid picture of military life and strategy.
The island’s current status offers a unique blend of historic charm and development potential. Acknowledged formally with planning permissions, Phillips has laid the groundwork for the transformation of this island into a luxury accommodation, envisioning a high-end hotel that respects the natural and historical essence of the locale.
This prospective development is envisioned to cater to luxury-seeking tourists and history buffs alike, offering them a chance to immerse in the tranquility of the island while luxuriating in modern comforts. The contrast between the old military fortifications and the planned modern structures could create a distinctive visitor experience.
As Drake's Island finds itself on the cusp of a new chapter, the blend of its profound history with the possibilities of modern luxury makes it a unique purchase. The sale includes all historical artifacts on the island, thus offering the new owners not just a piece of land but a segment of British history.
The transition from a sentinel post to a peaceful retreat exemplifies the transformative peace that history can achieve over time. Now, it stands ready for someone to write the next page in its substantial narrative, making it a keeper of both history and future memories.
In conclusion, the sale of Drake's Island represents not just a real estate transaction but a transfer of guardianship. It is a canvas ripe for respectful development, where history and luxury could meld seamlessly to offer a truly unique destination. This offers a profound opportunity to own and enhance a piece of Britain’s rich naval and military heritage.
